Ilombe Mboyo, like Evans a striker, was in Belgium’s squad for the World Cup qualifying campaign and came on as a substitute for Christian Benteke during the 2-0 victory over Scotland.

Although Mboyo did not subsequently make the final cut for Brazil 2014, he will be a forward option for manager Marc Wilmots in the Euros.

Because of Benteke’s knee injury, Wilmots was only able to name two out-and-out strikers for the World Cup finals, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens of Napoli, though new Liverpool signing Divock Origi went to Brazil as a midfielder and returned a major hit in attack for the Belgians.

Benteke is still recovering from major knee reconstruction surgery and if anything happens to either Lukaku, Mertens or Origi, Wilmots could turn back to the disgraced Mboyo.

Belgium meet Wales in Brussels this autumn and come to Cardiff for the return qualifier next summer.

Mboyo spent three years in prison for his part in the gang rape of a 14-year-old in 2004, when he was 17 and a member of one of the most notorious street gangs in Brussels.

Despite Mboyo’s dodgy background, Wilmots selected him for World Cup 2014 qualifying fixtures against Scotland and Serbia... although he did not feature in the two matches Belgium also played against Wales during that campaign.

There was an inevitable outcry over Mboyo’s involvement at the time, but Belgium launched a staunch defence of their hugely controversial decision.

Wilmots’ assistant Vital Borkelmans said: “It has annoyed me to read the criticism. I don’t like what people have said. What has happened is in the past.

“We think about today, tomorrow and what is in the future. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Belgian FA president Francois De Keersmaeker also defended Mboyo, saying: “Once someone’s time in the cells ends, they don’t necessarily have to be lost to society.

“It’s too easy to stigmatise. Mboyo could be an example for young people who embark down the wrong path.”

Mboyo, who has been captain of Genk, grew up playing next to Belgium’s highly respected skipper Vincent Kompany. The Manchester City man described his footballing talent as a “rare pearl.”

The issue has become topical amid mounting speculation Welsh striker Evans will return to Sheffield United upon his release from prison in October.

Evans, 25, will have served half of a five-year sentenced imposed on him at Caernarfon Crown Court for raping a woman in a hotel room.

Ched Evans in action for Wales

The FA of Wales have been alerted to the issue and will hold talks with manager Chris Coleman to determine Evans’ international future.

He has played 13 times for Wales, scoring once. Evans also appeared 13 times for the Welsh Under-21 side, scoring a goal a game.

Sheffield United supporters say they would welcome back their goalscoring striker. However, campaigners believe Evans’ return to football would send out the wrong message.

More than 60,000 people have signed an online petition urging Sheffield United to refuse to reinstate Evans.

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.